This contains a transcription of the Melbern E. Knight of Alstead, NH biography from Biographical Review Volume XXIII: Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Cheshire and Hillsboro Counties, New Hampshire, Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston, 1897.
Pages 56-57
MELBERN E. KNIGHT, of the well-known firm Lewis & Knight, of Alstead, was born in Marlow, this State, July 8, 1862, son of Benjamin and Lucy (Barney) Knight. His grandfather, Ira Knight, who was born in Hancock, N. H., excepting ten years spent in Vermont, lived at Marlow throughout his lifetime. Ira was an industrious farmer and a good citizen. His wife, who was a Washburn, born him eight children; namely, Lewis, Eben, Ira, Nathaniel, Abigail, Susan, Sarah, and Benjamin. Lewis, who married, and was a farmer in Marlow for some years, and served his townsmen as Selectman and as Representative to General Court, is now retired from active business. Eben, who was a successful dealer in cattle at Marlow, married, and had a family. Ira, a farmer and a carpenter, married and resided in Marlow and later in Keene. Nathaniel, also a farmer, married, and reared a family of children. Abigail married Joseph Clyde, who was born in Marlow, and now lives at Keene. Susan became the wife of Samuel Bill, a lumberman of Keene, and has a number of children. Sarah is married and lives in Bennington, N. H.
Benjamin Knight was born in Marlow, January 12, 1828. After his school days were over, he learned the tanner’s trade, and afterward worked at it for thirty years. He was then employed in a store for ten years, and later he engaged in farming. He attends the Universalist church, and carries into daily practice the teachings of that denomination. In politics he is a Democrat, is active in town affairs, and has held the office of Selectman. He has had three children—Emma, Edgar, and Melbern E. The first two died young.
Melburn E. Knight began his working life as a teamster, which occupation he followed for five years. He came to Alstead in 1886, and worked at teaming with his partner. Then he went into F. J. Marvin’s general store, and was there for two years. At the end of that time the firm of Lewis & Knight, general teamsters and jobbers and speculators in lumber lands, was formed. They also manage the express business of the town. In these various lines they carry on a large and successful business.
On October 3, 1886, he married Etta Walker, of this town. Mrs. Knight was born October 3, 1863, daughter of Otis Walker. Mr. Knight is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a liberal giver to charitable objects.